[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 10 (Tuesday, January 26, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E83]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HOMELAND SECURITY ACT OF 2002 AMENDMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. LAURA RICHARDSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 20, 2010

  Ms. RICHARDSON. Madam Speaker, as a member of the Homeland Security 
Committee, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 2611, which will 
amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to authorize the Securing the 
Cities Initiative of the Department of Homeland Security. This 
legislation will implement a unified strategy and provide the 
technology for defending New York City, Long Island and surrounding 
areas against radiological and nuclear threats.
  I would like to acknowledge Speaker Pelosi and Chairman Thompson for 
their leadership in bringing this important bill to the floor. I would 
also like to thank my colleague Congressman King, who authored this 
important legislation.
  H.R. 2611 amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to authorize 
appropriations to the Director of the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office 
of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for the Securing the 
Cities Initiative. The Initiative uses next generation radiation 
detection technology to detect the transport of nuclear and 
radiological material in urban areas by terrorists or other 
unauthorized individuals. As the representative of one of the largest 
ports in the nation, Long Beach, I so pleased to support this 
initiative.
  In conclusion, Madam Speaker, I support this bill because it is 
another step to making our cities and ports as safe as we possibly can. 
The Securing the Cities Initiative is a critical national capability to 
detect the dangerous introduction of nuclear and radiological material.
  Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 
2611.

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